Hey there, self care bestie!
As June winds down, there’s a day around the corner that’s all about spreading kindness and taking care of ourselves: National PTSD Awareness Day on June 27. It’s like a gentle nudge to pause, breathe, and focus on what makes us feel good. This day is about understanding post-traumatic stress disorder—and its cousin, complex PTSD (C-PTSD)—in a supportive way. PTSD and C-PTSD is a change many who have grown up with narcissistic parents face. I’m excited to share a few easy, feel-good self-care ideas to make this day peaceful. Picture yourself chilling on a sunny porch, a light breeze rustling the leaves. That’s the kind of calm we’re bringing to this day. So, grab a comfy seat, maybe a cup of tea, and let’s dive in!
What’s National PTSD Awareness Day All About?
National PTSD Awareness Day is a chance to learn about PTSD and C-PTSD, share support, and spread hope. PTSD can happen after a single tough event, like an accident, while C-PTSD often comes from long-term challenges, like growing up in an environment where love felt conditional or criticism was constant. If you had a narcissistic parent—someone who maybe put their needs first, leaving you feeling unseen or on edge—C-PTSD might resonate. It’s like your heart and mind learned to stay on high alert, always trying to predict or please.
This can show up as feeling super sensitive to criticism, struggling to trust your own worth, or carrying a heavy sense of “not enough.” It’s not your fault—it’s like your nervous system got wired for survival in a tricky environment. But here’s the good news: you’re stronger than you know, and this day is all about celebrating that strength with small, kind steps toward healing. It’s a chance to say, “I’m here, I’m enough, and I deserve to feel at peace.” Let’s explore two super simple self-care rituals to make that peace feel real—and a little fun, too!
Self-Care Ritual #1: A Playful Journaling Adventure
Let’s start with some journaling, but with a playful, gentle twist. Grab a notebook, some colorful pens, or even a stack of sticky notes (because bright colors just spark joy!). Find a cozy spot—maybe by a window or curled up with a soft blanket. The idea is to write a little note to yourself, imagining you’re your future self, full of confidence and calm. What would that version of you say? Maybe, “You’re doing so great, and you’re allowed to take up space!” or “You don’t have to prove your worth to anyone.”
Set a timer for 10 minutes, pop on some chill music (think soft guitar or lo-fi beats), and let your thoughts flow. No need to be perfect—this is your space to dream. If words feel hard, especially if you’re used to second-guessing yourself from years of criticism, doodle some hearts or stars instead. One thing I always do is just scribble then color in the shapes here and there. It is something we did in school when I was young that caused me to have no pressure. The last thing you want to focus in on this day is pressure. When you’re done, read it out loud in a silly voice to make yourself giggle. If you have drawn a picture, frame it! This ritual is like a warm pep talk to your younger self, reminding you that you’re worthy of love just as you are. It’s a small step to quiet those old doubts and build a sense of safety within.
Self-Care Ritual #2: A Happy Nature Stroll
Next, let’s try a Happy Nature Stroll—it’s so simple and feels like a mini-escape. Slip on your comfiest shoes, grab a water bottle, and step outside. It could be a park, your backyard, or a quiet street. The goal? Wander for 15-20 minutes, noticing the little joys around you: the way sunlight dances on the grass, a bird chirping, or the feel of a cool breeze. For those who grew up with narcissistic parents, moments of calm like this might feel rare—your mind might be used to scanning for what’s “wrong.” This walk is your chance to let go and just be in the moment.
Here’s the nurturing part: pick one thing you see—like a smooth stone or a pretty leaf—and let it be your “happy anchor.” Hold it in your hand or mind, letting it remind you that you’re safe and grounded right now. If you want to make it fun, take a pic of something that makes you smile, like a funny-shaped cloud. Later, stick that photo somewhere special as a reminder of this peaceful moment. This stroll helps soothe your nervous system, which might still carry the weight of always trying to please others. It’s like telling your heart, “You’re free to just enjoy this.”
A Little More About C-PTSD and Growing Up with Narcissistic Parents
Growing up with a narcissistic parent can feel like walking on eggshells. Maybe you were praised one moment and criticized the next, or you felt like your needs always came second. That kind of environment can lead to C-PTSD, which is like PTSD but tied to ongoing stress rather than one event. It might show up as feeling super hard on yourself, struggling to trust others, or always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Your nervous system might still be in “survival mode,” making it tough to relax or feel truly safe.
But here’s the beautiful part: you can rewire that system with patience and kindness. Small acts of self-care, like the ones above, help your body and mind learn that it’s okay to rest and feel good. You’re not “broken”—you’re just healing from a childhood where love came with strings. National PTSD Awareness Day is a perfect moment to honor that journey and remind yourself that you deserve peace, joy, and a life that feels like yours.
When or If In Doubt, Smile
National PTSD Awareness Day is like a big, warm invitation to be kind to yourself, especially if you’re carrying the weight of C-PTSD or a tough childhood. It’s a day to celebrate how far you’ve come and to try little rituals that feel like a hug. Whether you’re scribbling a fun note to yourself, strolling through nature, or just taking a deep breath, you’re making this day yours. And guess what? You can keep these rituals for whenever you need a boost.
So, this June 27, let’s share some love, take it slow, and maybe even laugh a little along the way. What’s your favorite way to feel calm and happy? Let me know—I’d love to hear! Until then…
Xo,
Fanny
